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The Ouray School District is eyeing a slate of capital projects to improve safety and prolong the lifespan of the 54-year-old gymnasium, including new...

June 28, 2023

News

School leaders ready for universal preschool

It’s only been a few weeks since the school year ended and summer break began, but school leaders in Ridgway and Ouray already have their eye on the c...

June 28, 2023

Spotlight on the Arts: Cara Fandel

Cara Fandel spent 32 years viewing the world through her camera lens before she turned to a different kind of art. Though she enjoyed work as a profes...

June 14, 2023

Spotlight on the Arts: Kellie Day

You can spot a piece of Kellie Day’s artwork long before you’re close enough to the canvas to see her signature. Soft pastel shades and vibrant jewel ...

May 31, 2023

New shelter director sees chances to grow

Second Chance Humane Society’s Board of Directors has hired new Executive Director Nick Gilman on a nine-month contract, with board leadership describ...

May 24, 2023

Spotlight on the Arts: Lisa Issenberg

Lisa Issenberg is in the business of taking a significant moment in a person’s life and crafting it into a memory they can hold in their hands. Out of...

May 3, 2023

News

School renovation nears finish line

Renovations at Ridgway Elementary School are on track to wrap up in the next few months, with the last of the major work scheduled to start when stude...

May 3, 2023

Roofing company rehangs shingle in Ridgway

After 25 years of working on roofing, restoration and construction projects in Ouray County and beyond, Dave Manes decided it was time to reopen an of...

April 26, 2023

Spotlight on the Arts: Erin Cawley

No matter where she lands in life, Ouray County Performing Arts Guild Executive Director Erin Cawley seems to find her way to the stage. Cawley has de...

April 26, 2023

New fitness studio wants you to shape up

[tecnavia_gallery slug='new-fitness-studio-wants-you-to-shape-up-gallery-20230503-2306-151356' view='carousel']From aerobics to Zumba, Ouray resident ...

March 30, 2023

Main, News...

Pilot dies in reservoir crash

Accident under investigation; man honored with procession

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

July 15, 2026

An experienced firefighting pilot who was pulling water from Silver Jack Reservoir to battle the Gold Mountain Fire died Sunday when his helicopter plunged into the reservoir northeast of Ridgway. Nic...

Main, News...

Heights, heat add to firefighters’ strain

By By Chart Riggall chart@ouraynews.com

July 15, 2026

Hotshot Jesse Eaves calls it “The Great Race.” At the small tent city along U.S. Highway 550, Eaves starts each day with a 5 a.m. wakeup call. Thus begins an eight-minute sprint for him and his Califo...

News

County approves hiring fire recovery manager — if it can find funding

By Mike Wiggins and Deb Hurley Brobst mike@ouraynews.com

July 15, 2026

Ouray County intends to hire an employee who can help lead the county’s efforts to recover from the Gold Mountain Fire — assuming it can find funding. County commissioners on Tuesday unanimously agree...

News

Trust, county close to conserving open space park

Grants, donations put nonprofit on brink of acquiring Silver Mountain Mine property

By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer

July 15, 2026

Ouray County is much closer to getting a new open space park on the Silver Mountain Mine property. The Trust for Land Restoration has received a $180,000 Great Outdoors Colorado grant. Couple that wit...

News

Man gets probation, community service in sex assault case

One of three defendants, Whittington admits to giving alcohol to minor

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

July 15, 2026

A former Ouray County man was sentenced Monday to one year of unsupervised probation for providing alcohol to a then-17-year-old girl who said she was sexually assaulted by two others at the former Ou...

Katie Langford

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines